Refrigerator pickled green beans are a delicious and tangy treat. They make a perfect accompaniment to a summer barbecue, a refreshing addition to a salad, or a tasty snack on their own. If you’re a fan of pickles, you’ll love making your own batch of pickled green beans. Not only is it a fun and rewarding activity, but homemade pickles also taste infinitely better than anything you can buy at the store. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and easy recipe for making your own refrigerator pickled green beans.
Gather Your Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. The good news is that the ingredients required for refrigerator pickled green beans are readily available and inexpensive. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Green Beans
The stars of the show, green beans, are the main ingredient. Look for fresh, crisp green beans with no blemishes or signs of wilting. You’ll need about a pound of beans for this recipe.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is a crucial component of any pickle recipe. You can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even rice vinegar, depending on your preference. Each type of vinegar will give a slightly different flavor profile to your pickled green beans.
3. Water
Water will dilute the vinegar and help create the pickling liquid. Make sure to use filtered water for the best results.
4. Salt
Salt is important for flavor and preservation. You can use regular table salt or kosher salt. Avoid using iodized salt as it can affect the texture and taste of your pickles.
5. Sugar
Sugar balances out the tanginess of the vinegar and provides a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference.
6. Spices and Herbs
To add depth and complexity to your pickled green beans, consider adding various spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic, dill, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. Be creative and experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite flavors.
Prepare the Green Beans
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the green beans for pickling.
1. Wash the Green Beans
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any dirt or debris and trim off the edges if necessary.
2. Blanch the Green Beans
In order to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture, blanch the green beans before pickling. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the green beans. Let them cook for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the green beans and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Create the Pickling Liquid
Now that your green beans are ready, it’s time to prepare the pickling liquid.
1. Combine Vinegar, Water, Salt, and Sugar
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. This will create a brine for your pickles.
2. Add Spices and Herbs
Once the brine is ready, you can add your desired spices and herbs. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences. For example, if you enjoy spicy pickles, you can add more red pepper flakes.
Pickle your Green Beans
Now it’s time to pickle your green beans!
1. Pack the Jars
Carefully pack your blanched green beans into sterilized glass jars. You can either lay them flat or stack them vertically, depending on the shape and size of your jars. Leave about 1/2 inch space at the top of each jar to allow the pickling liquid to completely cover the beans.
2. Pour the Pickling Liquid
Slowly pour the hot pickling liquid over the green beans in each jar. Make sure to cover the beans completely and leave a small headspace.
3. Remove Air Bubbles
To prevent spoilage, use a clean utensil, such as a chopstick or a small spatula, to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jars. Gently run the utensil along the sides to release the bubbles.
4. Seal the Jars
Finally, tightly seal the jars with their lids and place them in the refrigerator. Allow the pickled green beans to sit in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours before consuming. This will give them enough time to develop their tangy and flavorful taste.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pickled Green Beans
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own batch of refrigerator pickled green beans. After the refrigeration period, your pickled green beans are ready to be enjoyed. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, but we’re pretty sure they won’t last that long!
These tangy pickles are a versatile and tasty addition to a variety of dishes. They can be used as a topping for burgers and sandwiches, served alongside charcuterie boards, or simply enjoyed as a snack. Their zesty flavor and satisfying crunch are enough to make anyone a fan of homemade pickles.
So the next time you have an abundance of green beans, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, try making your own refrigerator pickled green beans using this simple and easy recipe. Not only will you be reducing food waste, but you’ll also be treating yourself to a delightful and tangy homemade snack. Happy pickling!